And in a blink, summer 2013 was over.

It’s so crazy how time can pass so quickly. Weddings, birthdays, showers, parties, time at the lake, dinners and travel…It’s amazing how much we are able to pack into the few months that make up summer. All the while working and trying to keep up with everyone else’s hectic schedules…

I am always conflicted as to whether or not summer is my favorite time of year or not. It is a close tie with fall…And even though I’m obsessed with the holidays…I loathe the cold weather. So I’ll keep summer as my #1 for now. And I’m sad to see it go. Although it’s still be hot here in Chicago…I can sense fall in the air.

Trees have started to change and I actually tried to wear a scarf yesterday?!?! I don’t know what I was thinking. I got really sweaty really fast and decided I need to wear shorts until the last possible moment. And just because Starbucks has decided to bring out the Pumpkin Spice Latte early doesn’t necessarily mean it’s fall… We can all just take a breather and enjoy the summer air that still lingers.

P.S. I’m not happy about Starbucks pushing their Pumpkin Spice Latte up early (if that’s even true). They make enough money on that freaking drink, can’t they wait just a few more weeks until it is actually fall? I’m sure I’m alone in this thinking but it just makes me mad.

Continue reading →

Cheesecake and toffee bits and caramel sauce…

Is that enough to make up for an entire summer of no blogging?

I doubt it…and I’m sorry!

But there is nothing I can do about it so instead of apologizing a ton and going on and on about how busy we all are I will just leave you with this outstanding recipe.

You can add and subtract any amount of chocolate, toffee and caramel (but why would you) and instead add whatever you have on hand or like with your cheesecake.

A couple options would be to add fruit to the batter or to top with a fruit sauce! You can also add chocolate chips to the batter, M&M’s, toffee bits or any candy. Or you can use it like I did and sprinkle over the top.

I hope you have all had fantastic summers and I hope to get back into the swing of things and post on a MUCH more regular basis soon 🙂

But until then…you should make some cheesecake 🙂

Side note: My caramel sauce was more of a vanilla sauce. I didn’t let the sugar cook long so it had a very light, vanilla flavor rather than a richer and darker caramel flavor. If you want it to be darker follow the link below and there is a recipe for my caramel sauce which you just keep boiling a bit longer.

Continue reading →

My favorite time of year for pie has finally arrived!

Seasonal spring and summer fruits simmered inside a buttery crust and topped with a thick crumble topping…sounds like a perfect warm weather dessert.

If you know desserts, you’ve surely heard of Magnolia Bakery.

They are known for their cupcakes, but they also make amazing cakes, pies, cookies and pastries. I discovered this recipe via the Huffington Post, where Magnolia Bakery generously shared their secret recipe for this pie!

You could fill it with any fruit of your choice…but I would suggest you try the strawberries and rhubarb, it is delicious!

I had so much fun taking pictures of this beautiful pie, almost as much as I enjoyed eating it. You MUST top a slice of it with a scoop of ice cream. It evens out the flavors perfectly and will cool you off on a hot summer night.

Summer is officially in full swing at our house which means weddings, showers, festivals and time with family and friends. I know it is a very busy time for everyone but I promise to try my hardest to post recipes as much as possible! Thanks for sticking with me and supporting my blog! I always appreciate the kind words and support.

Continue reading →

This is the frosting you dream about.

It tastes like strawberry ice cream and it will change the way you look at frosting.

I made this to go on top of my strawberry cupcakes and let me tell you…it’s magic.

Best of luck in trying not to eat the whole bowl before your cake/cupcakes are frosted!

Continue reading →